The Department of Politics, International Relations and Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London, in partnership with 9 Mountains, has launched a new innovation project that will deliver tailored data analysis services to UK charities while providing students with hands-on professional experience.
The initiative brings together academic staff, undergraduate researchers, and third-sector organisations. Many charitable and voluntary organisations lack the resources needed to analyse data effectively, evaluate programmes, and demonstrate impact. By combining Royal Holloway’s academic expertise with 9 Mountains’ sector knowledge, the project aims both to strengthen charities’ evidence capacity and to create a cutting-edge pedagogic environment for students.
Professor Oliver Heath, who is leading the project alongside Dr Cassie Schwartz, said:
“Charities are doing vital work, but too often they don’t have the analytical capacity to show the difference they make. This project bridges that gap. Our students will help deliver high-quality insights that genuinely support organisations on the frontline.”
The project is built around three core work packages:
- Bespoke On-Demand Support (WP1): Year-round tailored data services for individual charities.
- Hackathon Programme (WP2): A low-cost, student-led annual data-analysis initiative.
- One-off Conferences (WP3): Annual events bringing together charities, analysts, and students to share learning and strengthen sector-wide practice.
Under the scheme, academic staff will supervise small teams of students as they work directly with real-world datasets supplied by partner charities. Students will be paid for their work, gaining experience in applying research methods to social, economic, and policy issues.
Dr Cassie Schwartz of PIRP commented:
“This is about giving students the chance to learn by doing. They’ll develop advanced research, analytical, and professional skills in a live environment - skills that are immensely valuable in the job market.”
For charities, the benefits are immediate. The analysis produced through the programme will help organisations better understand user experiences, evaluate programmes, and clearly demonstrate their impact to funders.
Nick Ryan from 9 Mountains added:
“Our mission has always been to help organisations use evidence more effectively. Partnering with Royal Holloway allows us to support under-resourced charities while nurturing the next generation of data-literate changemakers.”
The project will begin working with its first cohort of students and charity partners later this year.
